Creamy Turkey Broccoli Skillet

Creamy turkey broccoli skillet brings together hearty pasta creamy sauce and savory turkey sausage for a comforting dinner that is all about convenience and a comforting homemade taste. It is my go to on chilly weeknights when everyone is hungry and dinner needs to happen fast

When my kids crave a cozy meal this is the dish they request It first became a staple during a spring rainstorm and now it is requested monthly

Ingredients

• Penne pasta: adds chewy texture and soaks up the creamy sauce Choose a brand that is bronze cut for best sauce clinging
• Fresh broccoli: brings crunch and nutrients Select firmly green stalks with tight florets
• Turkey sausage: brings flavor and protein Opt for high quality sausage with few additives for best results
• Whole milk: creates richness and helps the sauce coat every bite Use full fat for that unbeatable creamy taste
• Mild cheddar cheese: melts smoothly and adds tang Freshly shredded from a block tastes best
• Unsalted butter: helps cook the aromatics and controls flavor Look for creamy butter from grass fed cows if possible
• Yellow onion: brings sweetness and depth Choose onions that are heavy for their size and have no bruises
• Minced garlic: gives a warm aromatic note Use fresh garlic for the most vibrant flavor
• Salt and pepper: finish the dish to bring all the flavors together Use flaked sea salt for a clean taste

Instructions

Boil the Pasta and Broccoli

Fill a large pot with water add salt and bring to a rolling boil Cook the penne pasta following the directions on the package Stir a few times so nothing sticks After the pasta has cooked for about nine minutes toss in the broccoli florets for the last two minutes Drain thoroughly and set aside This ensures the broccoli stays crisp yet tender and the pasta is never mushy

Brown the Turkey Sausage

Place a large skillet over medium heat and add the unsalted butter Once the butter is melted add the sliced turkey sausage Lay the slices in a single layer and let them brown without stirring for a couple of minutes Flip and cook until each piece is caramelized and crisp on the edges This step adds savory flavor to the whole dish

Sauté the Aromatics

Pour in the diced yellow onion and minced garlic right into the skillet Cook everything over medium heat stirring frequently Watch for the onion to turn translucent and soft which usually takes about three minutes Make sure you do not rush this as this step builds the flavor foundation for your sauce

Make the Creamy Sauce

In a bowl whisk the whole milk with a heaping spoonful of cornstarch until there are no lumps Slowly pour this mixture into the skillet while stirring everything constantly Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it cook until it thickens to a silky texture which usually takes three to five minutes Adjust the heat as necessary so it does not scorch

Melt in the Cheese

Lower the heat to low Sprinkle the shredded mild cheddar cheese over the sauce Stir gently until all the cheese melts and the sauce looks glossy Taste the sauce and adjust salt and pepper as needed The cheese should disappear into the sauce without separating

Combine and Serve

Add the drained pasta and bright green broccoli to the skillet with your creamy sauce Use tongs or a large spoon to toss everything until every noodle is well coated with sauce The broccoli should stay in nice big pieces and everything should be piping hot ready to serve

Cheddar cheese is my favorite part of the dish It melts into everything making each bite so creamy I remember the first time I let the kids sprinkle extra cheese on their plates and it became an instant dinner table tradition

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in a sealed glass container in the refrigerator for up to three days The sauce may thicken slightly when chilled so stir in a splash of milk before reheating for best results When reheating use gentle heat so the sauce stays creamy and the broccoli does not overcook

Ingredient Substitutions

Any short pasta shape works here such as rotini or elbow If you prefer stronger flavor swap cheddar for pepper jack You can also use Italian chicken sausage instead of turkey for a different twist For a gluten free version grab your favorite gluten free pasta the sauce works just as well

Serving Suggestions

I love serving this skillet with a crisp green salad on the side and sometimes an extra squeeze of lemon juice over the top For a crowd try doubling the recipe everyone always comes back for seconds Another favorite idea is to sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs or extra shredded cheese before serving for a fun finish

Cultural and Seasonal Notes

This recipe pairs Italian American comfort with the focus on seasonal fresh broccoli In springtime broccoli is at its sweetest and brightest making this an even lovelier dinner On cozy winter nights sometimes I add a handful of frozen peas for color and a nutrition boost

Seasonal Adaptations

Swap in asparagus or zucchini in the summer Try stirring in roasted butternut squash in the fall Mix with a handful of baby spinach in winter right after adding the pasta

Success Stories

Many fellow busy parents have messaged me to say that their kids devoured this skillet A friend once brought it to a potluck and it disappeared before most got seconds Even the picky eaters went back for more

Freezer Meal Conversion

To make ahead just prepare the entire dish up to the point of combining with the sauce Let cool fully then transfer to a freezer safe dish and wrap tightly Label with the date and freeze for up to two months Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake covered at three hundred seventy five degrees until hot all the way through

Creamy turkey broccoli skillet makes busy weeknights feel special with little effort. The leftovers are just as delicious making this a reliable recipe to keep on repeat.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Any short pasta like rotini, fusilli, or farfalle works well and absorbs the sauce nicely.

→ Is chicken sausage a good substitute for turkey sausage?

Yes, chicken sausage provides a similar texture and flavor. Pork sausage is also a tasty alternative.

→ How can I make the sauce thicker?

Simmer the sauce a few extra minutes to reduce it, or add a bit more cornstarch blended with milk if needed.

→ Can I add more vegetables?

Definitely! Try adding bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms during the sauté step for extra flavor and nutrition.

→ What cheese can I use besides cheddar?

Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a cheese blend melt smoothly and offer deliciously creamy results.

→ Can leftovers be refrigerated?

Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently before serving.